VI. VI.
Luther's tune and hymns, "," as it appears for the first time in Johann Walter's "Geistliche Gesangbüchlein." Wittemberg, 1524. The harmonies are taken from the tune book published by command of the "Eisenach Kirchenconferenz," by G. v. Tucher and others (Stuttgart, 1854), and are probably selected from old editions.
This hymn and tune was intended by Luther to be sung as the Creed during the morning service, and remained in use as such for a long time. Though omitted by the Editors in the body of this work, being considered by them unsuitable for England, they have inserted it here as an interesting specimen of hymnology.
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| We all believe in One true God, Maker of the earth and heaven; The Father, who to us in love Hath the claim of children given. He in soul and body feeds us, All we want His hand provides us; Thro' all snares and perils leads us, Watches that no harm betides us; He cares for us, Cares for us by day and night, All things are govern'd by His might. | | And we believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, our Lord, possessing An equal Godhead, throne and might, Through whom descends the Father's blessing; Conceivèd of the Holy Spirit, Born of Mary, virgin mother; That lost man might inherit Made true man, our Elder Brother, Was crucified bor sinful men, And raised by God to life again. | | And we confess the Holy Ghost, Who from Son and Father floweth, The Comforter of fearful hearts, Who all precious gifts bestoweth; In whome all the Church hath union, Who maintains the Saints' Communion; We believe our sins forgiven, And that life with God in heaven, When we are raised again, shall be Our portion in eternity. | |